Another exciting week in the Serie A begins on Tuesday as the backlog of fixtures effected by the weather in recent weeks are now set to be played. Before previewing the action some news, Alessandro Del Piero looks set to join French side Marsaille in the summer after Didier Deschamps was quoted as saying he would welcome his former Juventus team mate with "open arms" if the 37 year old decided to join the club. Del Piero has been used mostly from the bench this season and his contract ends this summer. Juventus have already issued a statement saying that Del Piero's contract will not be renewed, several MLS clubs are also reported in securing the signature of one of Italy's biggest football stars. Another 'old guard' figure could also be on the move in the summer in the form of Gennaro Gattuso. The 34 year old AC Milan midfielder has only played once all season due to an eye problem, though it is questionable whether or not he would get in the side regardless of his condition. The veteran has told the club president that he is willing to 'play for free' if he can secure a new contract with the Champions.
Action gets underway on Tuesday as Bologna host Fiorentina. Bologna managed their first win in 5 games as they beat Inter 3-0 in Milan on Friday, Fiorentina meanwhile suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Napoli, their first defeat in 3. Fiorentina did manage to beat Bologna 2-0 earlier in the season but that was during Fiorentina's great start to the campaign, since then they have slid down the table, recovering briefly in the last few weeks. Bologna remain difficult to beat, especially at home and they have an inform striker in Marco Di Vaio, who scored twice against Inter and is likely to add to his tally here. Home win - Bologna continue their solid run.
Siena host Catania on Wednesday night at the Stadio Artemio Franchi-Montepaschi Arena as both teams look to bounce back from defeats. Siena were victims of the arguably the weekends biggest shock as they were beaten 4-1 by fellow struggeles Leece. Catania managed to gain the lead at Juventus but were ultimately beaten 3-1 last Sunday. Siena continue to struggle, with just one win in their last 4 and will be low on confidence after the beating they suffered at Leece. Catania were on a good run of 3 unbeaten before they faced the league leaders and they are taken to get back on track here and move up into the safety of mid table. Away win - Trouble continues for Siena
Saturday sees two games beginning with Genoa V Parma. Genoa were beaten 1-0 by Chievo last weekend and Parma suffered the same scoreline away to Roma. Genoa are now without a win in 3 and will do well to get one here against a Parma team that have lost just one of their last 5. A draw seems the most likely result in what is set to be a cagey affair. Draw - Two mid table teams cancel each other out.
The game of the weekend occurs on Saturday evening as first place AC Milan take on second place Juventus in a game that could settle where the title will head come May. Milan are unbeaten since the middle of January and Juventus are yet to be beaten this season. Both gained 3-1 victories at the weekend over Cesena and Catania respectively. Milan have failed to beat The Old Lady in two attempts already this season, a 2-0 away loss in the league and 2-1 home defeat in the Coppa Italia. It could be argued however that Milan are in better form, scoring freely and winning games comprehensively, Juve in recent weeks have been grinding out their victories and have a drawn too many games, leaving them a point behind Milan. The man who could make all the difference to the result, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to serve the last game of his 3 match ban, but Milan have appealed and will know on Thursday if the Swede will be eligible to play. This game could be a great spectacle but its more likely that the two great teams will cancel each other out as Milan's brilliant attack comes up against Juve's superb back line. Draw - A game neither team can afford to lose.
Sunday sees eight games in all beginning with Atalanta hosting the enigma that is Roma. Atalanta could only manage a disappointing 0-0 draw away at Novara last weekend meaning they have only won two of their last five. Roma have equally confusing form, their last 5 reading as LWDLW. The Gillarossi beat Parma 1-0 in Rome on Sunday, with young Fabio Borini grabbing the goal. The former Chelsea player has now scored 6 this season, more than both Totti & Bojan. Atalanta were beaten 3-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and they will have to play very well to ensure a similar result does not ensue. However Roma have the class to win again, and they really should it just depends which Roma turn up. Away Win - Roma achieve rare back to back wins.
Catania host Novara as the home side look to get themselves away from trouble and put their opponents right back in it. Catania were beaten 3-1 by Juventus last weekend but before then were unbeaten in three. Novara were able to move off the bottom by getting a point at Atalanta. Novara have still only won 3 games all season though, remarkably two of those wins over Inter. Catania are solid at home and they should take this if Novara are unable to frustrate them. Home win - Novara look down not up
Chievo Verona take on a Cesena as they look for their third win in five. Chievo gained an impressive 1-0 win away to Genoa last weekend whereas their opponents were beaten 3-1 by Juventus leading to the sacking of manager Daniele Arrigoni. Arrigoni has now been replaced with Mario Beretta, he becomes Cesena's third coach of the season. Beretta takes charge of a side that are bottom of the league and have lost all but one of their last five. Cesena are seven points from safety and unless Beretta works a miracle they look certain to go down. Chievo are a decent side despite particularly at home and this looks a stiff task for Cesena. Home win - No happy beginning for Beretta
Cagliari host a resurgent Leece side in a very difficult game to call. Cagliari gained a hard fought 0-0 draw at Udinese last weekend as Leece thumped Siena 4-1. Cagliari are unbeaten in 4 and Leece in 3, something has to give. Cagliari, should win they sit ninth in the table and have shown themselves to be a consistent side, yet third from bottom Leece are scrapping for their lives in the Serie A and could move out the bottom three with a win. They are sure to be no push over. Draw - Two teams in form share the points.
Dispondent Inter head to Napoli in what could see the end of Claudio Raneri's short tenure at the Milan club. Napoli appear to have got over thier blip after two good wins including a 3-0 win over Fiorentina last Friday and are back aiming a Champions League place. Inter have fallen back into the type of form they produced at the start of the season, no win in four and they haven't scored in three. This is not a poor Inter side, Sneijder, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Forlan, Pazzini, all very good players. Yet it simply is not working for them. With Napoli back in the scoring groove and Inter disillusioned, their should only be one outcome. Home win - Pressure mounts on Raneri
Lazio host Fiorentina as both teams look to bounce back from poor results last weekend. As mentioned Fiorentina were beaten 3-0 at home by Napoli last weekend, their host suffered a disastrous 5-1 defeat away to Palermo all but ending their title hopes. Before that Edoardo Reja's men were in good form winning their last four, and they are taken to regain the winning thread again here. Fiorentina's little resurgence was put to end by Napoli's great attack and they meet another strong attack here the Viola simply leak too many goals. Home win - Lazio cement Champions League Position
Siena host Palermo in a game that could hinge on Siena's result in midweek. If they lose again it is likely Palermo, buoyant from their 5-1 over Lazio will take this. Palermo are unbeaten in five going into this and are back scoring goals. The only issue surrounds their away form but any repeat of the Lazio game performance will see them beat Siena and send them futher into the relegation zone. Away win - Siena in deep trouble.
The final game of the weekend sees Bologna host Udinese who like Lazio saw their title hopes dashed by a poor result last weekend, only managing a 0-0 with Cagliari. Bologna meanwhile recorded a great win over Inter and providing they gain a good result against Fiorentina on Tuesday they should come into this full of confidence. Udinese's ace remains their attack, with the leagues top scorer Antonio Di Natale heading it. However they have only managed 5 goals in their last 5 games and now look to be badly missing Alexis Sanchez. Another tricky puzzle but Bologna could take another big scalp if Udinese fail to fire. Home win - Bologna just take it as Udinese fail to fire again.
Selected Match Odds for Saturday-Sunday Games Only:
Bologna, Napoli, Roma, Catania, Chievo & Palermo - All to win 98/1
Atalanta V Roma - Borini Score 1st - Odds Not Available at present
AC Milan V Juventus - Correct Score 2-2 - Odds Not Available at present
Enjoy The Games!
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Match Week 23 - Full Weekend Fixture Preview
Normal service resumes in the Serie A this week with the usual Friday through till Sunday fixtures. The weather appears to be improving in Italy so there should be no postponements this weekend.
Friday night sees two crucial games for those near the top of Serie A as Inter face Bologna in the San Siro and Napoli travel to Florence to face Fiorentina. Inter were the victim of the biggest shock of the season last Sunday as they were beaten 1-0 by bottom club Novara. Inter now havn't won in four games and are nine points off the top. Its not necessarily the results that are bothering Inter supporters but those who are inflicting them, loses to lowly Leece and Novara and a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Roma are simply unacceptable results for a club of Inter's stature. Claudio Raneri remains a man under pressure, despite their great run in the middle of the season, Inter started poorly and are now back in another slump.With Fabio Capello now waiting in the wings for the next big Serie A vacancy Raneri must turn things round fast. Bologna however will be no walk over, unbeaten in 5 (albeit 4 of them were draws) including a 0-0 draw at Leece last weekend Bologna have secured their reputation of a team not easy to break down. Bologna are up to the task when it comes to stopping the 'big' teams with draws against Roma and Napoli in recent weeks. They are taken to do the same here and keep Inter's miserable run continuing. Draw - Bologna frustrate Raneri's men.
At the same time Fiorentina host Napoli in a game where both teams appear to be coming back to some form. Fiorentina enter the game off the back of two straight wins, including a 3-2 win over high flying Udinese last weekend. Napoli were able to gain their first win in 6 on Monday night when they beat Chievo 2-0. The teams played out a goalless draw when they met in Naples earlier in the season and expect an equally cagey game here. Napoli will be determined to take all 3 points here as they look to securing a Champions League place and Walter Mazzarri has one of the best attacks in the league. But they are not firing at the moment and Fiorentina will fancy their chances especially with home advantage. Another very tricky game to call, away win just. Away win - Napoli's front men find their form again.
The only game on Saturday sees unbeaten Juventus face 13th place Catania. Juventus may be unbeaten but they are wobbling at the moment, drawing their last two games 0-0, against Siena and then Parma on Wednesday. They face a Catania side unbeaten in three and full of confidence after thrashing an inform Genoa side 4-0 last weekend. Catania held Juventus to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season but they will do well to repeat that even with Juventus' current form. Juventus will be keen to return to the top of the table and put pressure on AC Milan and they are taken to do just that. Home win - The Old Lady remains unbeaten and Conte's men get a much needed win.
Sunday sees 7 games in all, beginning with Leece hosting Siena. Leece are in trouble, despite a decent run they remain in the bottom 3 and four points from safety. Their latest result a 0-0 draw away to Atlanta has strengthened the belief that although they are sufficient defensively they simply don't score enough goals. Siena remain in a precarious position two places above the relegation zone. However they did beat Roma 1-0 on Monday and that if nothing else will boost morale. Both teams will be desperate for the points but its likely that the little bit of quality Siena have going forward will be enough to see them through against a blunt Leece attack. Away win - Siena move away from danger, just.
Second from bottom Cesena take on table toppers AC Milan in what looks like a nailed on away win. Cesena scared Lazio last Friday night by being 2-0 up at half time only to throw it away in the second half and lose 3-2. Milan meanwhile achieved their first win in three beating Udinese 2-1 then on Wednesday the Rossoneri put on a scintillating display to beat Arsenal 4-0 in The Champions League. Milan will be without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic but are boosted by the return of Alessandro Pato from injury. Cesena lack the class that Milan possess at both ends of the pitch and look set for defeat here. Away win - Milan march on.
Bottom side Novara host Atlanta in an intriguing tie that sees both teams come off the back of good wins. Novara beat Inter 1-0 and Atlanta recorded the same scoreline against Genoa on Wednesday. Despite their great win over Inter Novara remain rock bottom with just three wins all season. Atlanta meanwhile are sat in mid table and are unbeaten in two. Atlanta overcame Novara 2-1 in the reverse fixture and a similar scoreline could well happen here. Novara maybe high on confidence but consistency certainly is not their strong point. Away win - A proffesional display from Atlanta will be enough here.
Roma host Parma in what looks a very difficult match for Luis Enrique's team. Roma slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Siena on Monday night meaning they have won just once in 5 games. Enrique is another manager who may be looking over his shoulder for signs of Capello. Parma meanwhile are a model of consistency, unbeaten in 5 including a 0-0 draw with Juventus last weekend Roberto Donadoni's men look a match for anyone. Roma are capable but Parma are too, a draw seems likely. Unless the Roma that beat Inter 4-0 turn up. Draw - More frustration for Roma fans.
Genoa host Chievo as both teams look to bounce back from consecutive defeats. Genoa beaten 1-0 by Atlanta on Wednesday while Chievo were beaten 1-0 by Napoli on Monday. Earlier in the season the home side ran out 2-1 winners in Verona. Again another very close match seems likely. Genoa though are taken to bounce back from their poor run, after beating both Lazio and Napoli in recent weeks at home Genoa have shown that at home in particular they are a force. Home win - Home advantage pays dividends as Genoa solidify their mid table position.
Udinese host Cagliari as the hosts look to get their league title challenge back on track. The team from Udine are now 6 points behind AC Milan after losing to them 2-1 last weekend and are now looking for their first win in three. Their opponents are unbeaten in 3 after beating Palermo 2-1 and look set to be a test for the title contenders. Again home advantage could be the key here and with the striking power Udinese possess they should albeit narrowly beat Cagliari. Home win - Udinese back on track.
Palermo suffered their first defeat in 5 at the hands of Cagliari last weekend and could be set for another when they face third placed Lazio. Lazio overcame a scare to beat Cesena 3-2 last Friday and have beaten AC Milan in recent weeks. At home Palermo are enjoying a good spell and they did hold Lazio to a 0-0 draw in Rome earlier in the season. Lazio though have come on since then particulary on an attacking front. Again this is set to be tight but Lazio should have enough. Away win - Lazio far from out of the title race.
Selected Match Betting:
Napoli, Juventus, Siena, AC Milan, Atalanta, Genoa, Udinese & Lazio all to Win - 458/1
AC Milan V Cesena - Robiniho Score 1st - Odds unavailable at present
Juventus V Catania - Juventus win 3-0 - Odds unavailable at present
Enjoy The Games!
Friday night sees two crucial games for those near the top of Serie A as Inter face Bologna in the San Siro and Napoli travel to Florence to face Fiorentina. Inter were the victim of the biggest shock of the season last Sunday as they were beaten 1-0 by bottom club Novara. Inter now havn't won in four games and are nine points off the top. Its not necessarily the results that are bothering Inter supporters but those who are inflicting them, loses to lowly Leece and Novara and a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Roma are simply unacceptable results for a club of Inter's stature. Claudio Raneri remains a man under pressure, despite their great run in the middle of the season, Inter started poorly and are now back in another slump.With Fabio Capello now waiting in the wings for the next big Serie A vacancy Raneri must turn things round fast. Bologna however will be no walk over, unbeaten in 5 (albeit 4 of them were draws) including a 0-0 draw at Leece last weekend Bologna have secured their reputation of a team not easy to break down. Bologna are up to the task when it comes to stopping the 'big' teams with draws against Roma and Napoli in recent weeks. They are taken to do the same here and keep Inter's miserable run continuing. Draw - Bologna frustrate Raneri's men.
At the same time Fiorentina host Napoli in a game where both teams appear to be coming back to some form. Fiorentina enter the game off the back of two straight wins, including a 3-2 win over high flying Udinese last weekend. Napoli were able to gain their first win in 6 on Monday night when they beat Chievo 2-0. The teams played out a goalless draw when they met in Naples earlier in the season and expect an equally cagey game here. Napoli will be determined to take all 3 points here as they look to securing a Champions League place and Walter Mazzarri has one of the best attacks in the league. But they are not firing at the moment and Fiorentina will fancy their chances especially with home advantage. Another very tricky game to call, away win just. Away win - Napoli's front men find their form again.
The only game on Saturday sees unbeaten Juventus face 13th place Catania. Juventus may be unbeaten but they are wobbling at the moment, drawing their last two games 0-0, against Siena and then Parma on Wednesday. They face a Catania side unbeaten in three and full of confidence after thrashing an inform Genoa side 4-0 last weekend. Catania held Juventus to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season but they will do well to repeat that even with Juventus' current form. Juventus will be keen to return to the top of the table and put pressure on AC Milan and they are taken to do just that. Home win - The Old Lady remains unbeaten and Conte's men get a much needed win.
Sunday sees 7 games in all, beginning with Leece hosting Siena. Leece are in trouble, despite a decent run they remain in the bottom 3 and four points from safety. Their latest result a 0-0 draw away to Atlanta has strengthened the belief that although they are sufficient defensively they simply don't score enough goals. Siena remain in a precarious position two places above the relegation zone. However they did beat Roma 1-0 on Monday and that if nothing else will boost morale. Both teams will be desperate for the points but its likely that the little bit of quality Siena have going forward will be enough to see them through against a blunt Leece attack. Away win - Siena move away from danger, just.
Second from bottom Cesena take on table toppers AC Milan in what looks like a nailed on away win. Cesena scared Lazio last Friday night by being 2-0 up at half time only to throw it away in the second half and lose 3-2. Milan meanwhile achieved their first win in three beating Udinese 2-1 then on Wednesday the Rossoneri put on a scintillating display to beat Arsenal 4-0 in The Champions League. Milan will be without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic but are boosted by the return of Alessandro Pato from injury. Cesena lack the class that Milan possess at both ends of the pitch and look set for defeat here. Away win - Milan march on.
Bottom side Novara host Atlanta in an intriguing tie that sees both teams come off the back of good wins. Novara beat Inter 1-0 and Atlanta recorded the same scoreline against Genoa on Wednesday. Despite their great win over Inter Novara remain rock bottom with just three wins all season. Atlanta meanwhile are sat in mid table and are unbeaten in two. Atlanta overcame Novara 2-1 in the reverse fixture and a similar scoreline could well happen here. Novara maybe high on confidence but consistency certainly is not their strong point. Away win - A proffesional display from Atlanta will be enough here.
Roma host Parma in what looks a very difficult match for Luis Enrique's team. Roma slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Siena on Monday night meaning they have won just once in 5 games. Enrique is another manager who may be looking over his shoulder for signs of Capello. Parma meanwhile are a model of consistency, unbeaten in 5 including a 0-0 draw with Juventus last weekend Roberto Donadoni's men look a match for anyone. Roma are capable but Parma are too, a draw seems likely. Unless the Roma that beat Inter 4-0 turn up. Draw - More frustration for Roma fans.
Genoa host Chievo as both teams look to bounce back from consecutive defeats. Genoa beaten 1-0 by Atlanta on Wednesday while Chievo were beaten 1-0 by Napoli on Monday. Earlier in the season the home side ran out 2-1 winners in Verona. Again another very close match seems likely. Genoa though are taken to bounce back from their poor run, after beating both Lazio and Napoli in recent weeks at home Genoa have shown that at home in particular they are a force. Home win - Home advantage pays dividends as Genoa solidify their mid table position.
Udinese host Cagliari as the hosts look to get their league title challenge back on track. The team from Udine are now 6 points behind AC Milan after losing to them 2-1 last weekend and are now looking for their first win in three. Their opponents are unbeaten in 3 after beating Palermo 2-1 and look set to be a test for the title contenders. Again home advantage could be the key here and with the striking power Udinese possess they should albeit narrowly beat Cagliari. Home win - Udinese back on track.
Palermo suffered their first defeat in 5 at the hands of Cagliari last weekend and could be set for another when they face third placed Lazio. Lazio overcame a scare to beat Cesena 3-2 last Friday and have beaten AC Milan in recent weeks. At home Palermo are enjoying a good spell and they did hold Lazio to a 0-0 draw in Rome earlier in the season. Lazio though have come on since then particulary on an attacking front. Again this is set to be tight but Lazio should have enough. Away win - Lazio far from out of the title race.
Selected Match Betting:
Napoli, Juventus, Siena, AC Milan, Atalanta, Genoa, Udinese & Lazio all to Win - 458/1
AC Milan V Cesena - Robiniho Score 1st - Odds unavailable at present
Juventus V Catania - Juventus win 3-0 - Odds unavailable at present
Enjoy The Games!
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Match Week 22 Preview - Rearranged Games and Full Weekend Fixtures
The weather appears to be improving in Italy with only one fixture last weekend forced to postpone. Postponements do however mean rearranged games and we have a situation this week when the Serie A will run from Wednesday night through to Monday night.
We begin with the rearranged fixture of Catania V Roma. The match was abandoned 3 weeks ago after torrential rain hit Catanaia. The score at the hour mark was 1-1 before the rain forced the postponement. It is likely we will see an equally cagey encounter again with both teams showing themselves as inconsistent. Catania drew 1-1 with Parma last weekend their first point in 3 games. Roma gained their first win in three games beating Inter 4-0 with in form striker Borini grabbing two of the goals in a suprising result. If Roma can take that performance into this game, they will beat Catania but Catania's home form is good and they were holding Roma the last time the two met. Close, but a narrow away win.
Staying with these two teams that play again on Sunday and Monday respectively. Catania face another tricky home game against Genoa. Genoa continue to upset the odds beating Lazio 3-2 last weekend after the weekend before beating Napoli by the same score line. The policy of "Were going to score one more than you" seems to be working for Genoa however both of those results were at Stadio Angelo Massimino, away from home Genoa have not won since early December. Genoa did beat Catania 3-0 earlier in the season and will be full of confidence, this seems to hinge on how low Catania's confidence is come Sunday and if Genoa can transfer their home into away games. Away win, Genoa continue their impressive form.
Roma too face a difficult task when they travel to Siena on Monday night. Despite their lowly league position of 17th Siena have shown in recent weeks that they are a difficult team to play against holding Juventus to a 0-0 result last Sunday. They may be adept at keeping teams out but Siena still have not won in 5 games something that is likely to be extended on Monday night. That is of course if the Roma that beat Inter 4-0 turn up as opposed to the Roma who got beat 4-2 by Cagliari 2 weeks ago. Luis Enrique will be boosted by Daniel De Rossi who returned for the 4-0 Inter win and showed how integral he is to any Roma success. Osvaldo remains sidelined. Hard fought away win, or draw if Enrique's men take the day off.
Moving onto the remaining fixtures of this extended weekend of games and Lazio face Cesena in the Thursday night game that really should see the home side return to winning games. Lazio were beaten 3-2 by Genoa last weekend and can ill afford another slip up if they are to push for the title. Before that surprising result Lazio had comfortably beaten AC Milan and were looking a force to be reckoned with. Cesena on the other hand remain deep in trouble, second bottom of the league and without a win in three. Although they did manage a 0-0 draw with Napoli last weekend. The likes of Klose and Rocchi should prove to much for the Cesena defence and with neither scoring in the last game they will both be keen to get on the score sheet. Comfortable home win, Lazio get their title challenge back on track.
Saturday evening sees two games beginning with Cagliari V Palermo. Cagliari were unable to build on their great win over Roma as they were held to a 0-0 by bottom team Novara last weekend. That win over Roma is their only in five games as they continue to struggle to score goals. No such problems for Palermo who have scored 13 goals in their last 5 matches including 2 in a 2-1 victory of Atlanta last weekend. Palermo now sit in 8th and are serious contenders for a Europa League spot if continuing in their current vein. The last time the two met was in September resulting in a 3-2 win for Palermo. Its unlikely that score line will be repeated but Palermo are taken to win this one. Narrow away win as Palermo continue their march up the league.
The match of the weekend is played at the same time as Udinese host AC Milan in a second versus third clash. Both teams dare not lose this one such would be the implications for their title hopes with Milan a point behind Juventus and three ahead of Udinese. At this moment in time Udinese can't string two wins together winning 2 of their last 5 and losing the three in between. A 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina last weekend compounding their fans misery as they saw their title hopes slipping away. That was of course until Napoli managed to hold AC Milan to a 0-0 draw meaning the Rossoneri havn't won in two games, poor by their standards. To make matters worse top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off in that game for slapping an opponent, the Swede now faces 3 games on the sidelines. Milan's blip could well continue in Udine particularly now they have both of their top scores out (Pato remains injured). A very tough game to call but a Udinese victory looks a distinct possibility against a weakened Milan. Home win, Udinese to make the title a three horse race.
Sunday sees a host of matches beginning with Inter host Novara. It could be argued that Inter could not have picked a better opportunity to bounce back to form by hosting bottom club Novara, but things might not be so simple. Inter are on a poor run unable to win any of their last four and were humiliated by Roma in a 4-0 defeat last weekend. Novara managed a good point against Cagliari last weekend drawing 0-0 but they still have only won 2 games all season. In a team that includes names like Milito, Zanetti & Sneijder in their side Inter really should be taking this. If they don't a crisis will be confirmed and the knives will be out on Raneri once more. Home win, Inter back on track.
Atlanta will be looking for just their second win in 6 matches when they host third bottom Leece. Atlanta were beaten 2-1 away at Palermo last weekend whereas their opponents managed a hard fought 0-0 at home to Bologna. Atlanta managed to beat Leece 2-1 earlier in the season and expect an equally close affair this time around. Leece are capable of beating the big boys with victories over Fiorentina and Inter in recent weeks but it is against the teams in and around them that they frequently slip up. Both teams will be desperate to win to move away from the relegation zone but Atlanta might just have enough to take this. Narrow away win, Atlanta move out of trouble.
A mid table clash sees Parma host Fiorentina in what is set to be another close game. Parma are now unbeaten in four after beating Chievo 2-1 last weekend. Fiorentina are unbeaten in 3 after getting over their dreadful run of form by beating Siena and then Napoli 3-2 last weekend. The third match of the season saw Fiorentina run out 3-0 over Parma but things have changed since then with Parma becoming a better team and Fiorentina inexplicably getting worse. Fiorentina have not won away in the league since the start of the year and that might be the key here, though it promises to be close. Draw, two teams back to form cancel each other out.
Bologna host Juventus on Sunday evening in an interesting match with both teams in good form. Bologna are unbeaten in 5, although they have drawn their last four including a 0-0 against Leece last weekend. Juventus remain unbeaten but were disappointingly held by Siena last weekend, 0-0. Bologna held Juventus to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and their is little doubt that they are a solid defencive unit. However they simply don't score enough goals and it is more than likely that this will be their downfall as they are set to concede against the likes of Matri and Vucinic. Juventus will know they must win games like this if they are to win the league, and that could well make the difference. Away win, The Old Lady's climb towards the title continues.
The final game of this long weekend is along side Roma V Siena and concerns Napoli and Chievo. Chievo travel to Naples in poor form, one win in their last 5 including a 2-1 home defeat to Parma last weekend. Their hosts too are struggling, though more suprisingly. Napoli havn't won in 5 games, although a 0-0 draw with AC Milan earned last weekend is nothing to be ashamed of. Chievo sprung a shock by beating Napoli 1-0 last time the teams met and another close encounter is set up. Napoli are capable, their attacking line is one of the best in the division and if they arrive on top of their game Napoli will win comfortably, sooner or later a team is going to feel the full force of that attack again. Home win, Napoli regain some confidence with a well earned win.
Selected Match Betting
*all bets are for the games after Wednesday*
Lazio, Atlanta, Roma, Palermo, Inter, Juventus, Genoa, Napoli - All To Win - 192/1
Udinese To Beat AC Milan - 2-1 : Odds not yet available
Napoli V Chievo - Cavani To Score First - Odds not yet available
Enjoy The Games!
We begin with the rearranged fixture of Catania V Roma. The match was abandoned 3 weeks ago after torrential rain hit Catanaia. The score at the hour mark was 1-1 before the rain forced the postponement. It is likely we will see an equally cagey encounter again with both teams showing themselves as inconsistent. Catania drew 1-1 with Parma last weekend their first point in 3 games. Roma gained their first win in three games beating Inter 4-0 with in form striker Borini grabbing two of the goals in a suprising result. If Roma can take that performance into this game, they will beat Catania but Catania's home form is good and they were holding Roma the last time the two met. Close, but a narrow away win.
Staying with these two teams that play again on Sunday and Monday respectively. Catania face another tricky home game against Genoa. Genoa continue to upset the odds beating Lazio 3-2 last weekend after the weekend before beating Napoli by the same score line. The policy of "Were going to score one more than you" seems to be working for Genoa however both of those results were at Stadio Angelo Massimino, away from home Genoa have not won since early December. Genoa did beat Catania 3-0 earlier in the season and will be full of confidence, this seems to hinge on how low Catania's confidence is come Sunday and if Genoa can transfer their home into away games. Away win, Genoa continue their impressive form.
Roma too face a difficult task when they travel to Siena on Monday night. Despite their lowly league position of 17th Siena have shown in recent weeks that they are a difficult team to play against holding Juventus to a 0-0 result last Sunday. They may be adept at keeping teams out but Siena still have not won in 5 games something that is likely to be extended on Monday night. That is of course if the Roma that beat Inter 4-0 turn up as opposed to the Roma who got beat 4-2 by Cagliari 2 weeks ago. Luis Enrique will be boosted by Daniel De Rossi who returned for the 4-0 Inter win and showed how integral he is to any Roma success. Osvaldo remains sidelined. Hard fought away win, or draw if Enrique's men take the day off.
Moving onto the remaining fixtures of this extended weekend of games and Lazio face Cesena in the Thursday night game that really should see the home side return to winning games. Lazio were beaten 3-2 by Genoa last weekend and can ill afford another slip up if they are to push for the title. Before that surprising result Lazio had comfortably beaten AC Milan and were looking a force to be reckoned with. Cesena on the other hand remain deep in trouble, second bottom of the league and without a win in three. Although they did manage a 0-0 draw with Napoli last weekend. The likes of Klose and Rocchi should prove to much for the Cesena defence and with neither scoring in the last game they will both be keen to get on the score sheet. Comfortable home win, Lazio get their title challenge back on track.
Saturday evening sees two games beginning with Cagliari V Palermo. Cagliari were unable to build on their great win over Roma as they were held to a 0-0 by bottom team Novara last weekend. That win over Roma is their only in five games as they continue to struggle to score goals. No such problems for Palermo who have scored 13 goals in their last 5 matches including 2 in a 2-1 victory of Atlanta last weekend. Palermo now sit in 8th and are serious contenders for a Europa League spot if continuing in their current vein. The last time the two met was in September resulting in a 3-2 win for Palermo. Its unlikely that score line will be repeated but Palermo are taken to win this one. Narrow away win as Palermo continue their march up the league.
The match of the weekend is played at the same time as Udinese host AC Milan in a second versus third clash. Both teams dare not lose this one such would be the implications for their title hopes with Milan a point behind Juventus and three ahead of Udinese. At this moment in time Udinese can't string two wins together winning 2 of their last 5 and losing the three in between. A 3-2 defeat to Fiorentina last weekend compounding their fans misery as they saw their title hopes slipping away. That was of course until Napoli managed to hold AC Milan to a 0-0 draw meaning the Rossoneri havn't won in two games, poor by their standards. To make matters worse top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off in that game for slapping an opponent, the Swede now faces 3 games on the sidelines. Milan's blip could well continue in Udine particularly now they have both of their top scores out (Pato remains injured). A very tough game to call but a Udinese victory looks a distinct possibility against a weakened Milan. Home win, Udinese to make the title a three horse race.
Sunday sees a host of matches beginning with Inter host Novara. It could be argued that Inter could not have picked a better opportunity to bounce back to form by hosting bottom club Novara, but things might not be so simple. Inter are on a poor run unable to win any of their last four and were humiliated by Roma in a 4-0 defeat last weekend. Novara managed a good point against Cagliari last weekend drawing 0-0 but they still have only won 2 games all season. In a team that includes names like Milito, Zanetti & Sneijder in their side Inter really should be taking this. If they don't a crisis will be confirmed and the knives will be out on Raneri once more. Home win, Inter back on track.
Atlanta will be looking for just their second win in 6 matches when they host third bottom Leece. Atlanta were beaten 2-1 away at Palermo last weekend whereas their opponents managed a hard fought 0-0 at home to Bologna. Atlanta managed to beat Leece 2-1 earlier in the season and expect an equally close affair this time around. Leece are capable of beating the big boys with victories over Fiorentina and Inter in recent weeks but it is against the teams in and around them that they frequently slip up. Both teams will be desperate to win to move away from the relegation zone but Atlanta might just have enough to take this. Narrow away win, Atlanta move out of trouble.
A mid table clash sees Parma host Fiorentina in what is set to be another close game. Parma are now unbeaten in four after beating Chievo 2-1 last weekend. Fiorentina are unbeaten in 3 after getting over their dreadful run of form by beating Siena and then Napoli 3-2 last weekend. The third match of the season saw Fiorentina run out 3-0 over Parma but things have changed since then with Parma becoming a better team and Fiorentina inexplicably getting worse. Fiorentina have not won away in the league since the start of the year and that might be the key here, though it promises to be close. Draw, two teams back to form cancel each other out.
Bologna host Juventus on Sunday evening in an interesting match with both teams in good form. Bologna are unbeaten in 5, although they have drawn their last four including a 0-0 against Leece last weekend. Juventus remain unbeaten but were disappointingly held by Siena last weekend, 0-0. Bologna held Juventus to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and their is little doubt that they are a solid defencive unit. However they simply don't score enough goals and it is more than likely that this will be their downfall as they are set to concede against the likes of Matri and Vucinic. Juventus will know they must win games like this if they are to win the league, and that could well make the difference. Away win, The Old Lady's climb towards the title continues.
The final game of this long weekend is along side Roma V Siena and concerns Napoli and Chievo. Chievo travel to Naples in poor form, one win in their last 5 including a 2-1 home defeat to Parma last weekend. Their hosts too are struggling, though more suprisingly. Napoli havn't won in 5 games, although a 0-0 draw with AC Milan earned last weekend is nothing to be ashamed of. Chievo sprung a shock by beating Napoli 1-0 last time the teams met and another close encounter is set up. Napoli are capable, their attacking line is one of the best in the division and if they arrive on top of their game Napoli will win comfortably, sooner or later a team is going to feel the full force of that attack again. Home win, Napoli regain some confidence with a well earned win.
Selected Match Betting
*all bets are for the games after Wednesday*
Lazio, Atlanta, Roma, Palermo, Inter, Juventus, Genoa, Napoli - All To Win - 192/1
Udinese To Beat AC Milan - 2-1 : Odds not yet available
Napoli V Chievo - Cavani To Score First - Odds not yet available
Enjoy The Games!
Friday, 3 February 2012
Matchweek 21 Preview - The Weather Causes Havoc
Despite the best efforts of groundsmen across Italy two games have already fallen victim to the dreadful weather that has struck Italy. Both Saturday games, Cesena V Catania and Roma V Inter have been called off. There is the possibility of more games being postponed as snow continues to fall across the country. However I will continue as usual as their has been no more news as yet.
So we begin on Sunday at The Stadio Luigi Ferraris as Genoa host Lazio. Lazio blew the title race wide open on Wednesday by beating AC Milan 2-0 leaving themselves just 5 points off leaders Juventus. Genoa were unable to play mid week but will come into this in good heart after their extraordinary win over Napoli last weekend. Lazio have major injury problems with Andres Dias, Christian Brocchi and Lorik Cana all unavailable. Genoa have no such problems and did manage to beat Lazio in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. A very tricky opener in which a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Unbeaten Juventus take on Siena as they look to move away from their rivals at the top of the division. Both teams games in midweek fell foul of the weather so we look back to last weekend were Juventus beat Udinese 2-1 and Siena were beaten by Fiorentina 2-1. Antonio Conte's men are in fantastic form and will be looking to make it 4 wins on the bounce here against a Siena team who have only managed to beat The Old Lady once in eleven attempts in Serie A. Juventus will be hot favourites to take all 3 points here and the inform Alessandro Matri looks certain to add to his goal tally too. Comfortable home win.
A resurgent Fiorentina side take on Udinese with both teams having won their previous game 2-1. Fiorentina gained a much needed win beating Siena last weekend whereas Udinese beat strugglers, Lecce on Wednesday. Fiorentina were on a slide before last weekends victory and are a better side than their form suggests, however Udinese are a strong outfit and it is down to the work of their strikers, Antonio Di Natale & Antonio Floro Flores that they remain third in the table. Udinese are at the moment one of the most inconsistent sides in the division winning 2 of their last 5. Depending on what Udinese turn up they should take the points back to Udine. A narrow away win.
Eighth placed Palermo will be looking to cement their European credentials by beating an Atalanta side hovering above the relegation zone. Atalanta were unable to play on Wednesday so their last game ended in a 1-0 victory of Cesena last Sunday. Palermo were able to play in an extraordinary game that saw them draw 4-4 with Inter. Palermo showed fantastic spirit in that game with Fabrizio Miccoli grabbing a hat trick they have an inform striker. Providing that effort hasn't taken to much out of them Bortolo Mutti's men should take all 3 points against a struggling Atalanta team that can only seem to beat teams below them. A relatively comfortable home win.
Rock bottom Novara remain 7 points from safety at the foot of the table after suffering another defeat at the hands of Chievo, 2-1 on Thursday. They face an even stiffer assignment when they host Cagliari, who beat AS Roma 4-2 in another bizzare game on Wednesday. Novara have only won two games all season and look all but relegated, Cagliari however have cemented themselves in mid table and have shown they can match the big boys beating Roma and drawing with Juventus in recent weeks. Davide Ballardini's men are simply impossible to oppose in this one. Comfortable away win.
Chievo host Parma in a mid table battle. After beating Novara 2-1 on Thursday night Chievo ended a 2 game losing streak and they are taken to gain back to back wins here. Parma have only won one of their last 5 games and have drawn their last two scoring just one goal. A 0-0 scoreline last weekend against Catania will have done little to appease fans over their teams poor form. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-1 victory for Parma but Chievo should be able to turn that around at home. Narrow home win.
Third from bottom Leece take on a Bologna side who were spared a mid week game. Their hosts had no such luck as they slumped to another defeat, 2-1 against Udinese. Bologna's last 3 games have all been draws including their 1-1 draw in Rome last Sunday. Yet another draw may be the most likely outcome here, despite their poor league position Leece have beaten the likes of Inter and Fiorentina in recent weeks and did beat Bologna earlier in the season. Since then however Bologna have improved with Marco Di Vaio back amongst the goals. Too tough too call, draw.
The game of the weekend sees AC Milan take on Napoli in the San Siro. Massimiliano Allegri's men had looked liked they had bounced back from their Milan Derby defeat that was until Wednesday night when they were beaten 2-0 by Lazio. Napoli too had a dissapointing result drawing 0-0 with lowly Cesena, meaning Napoli have now drawn 3 of their last 5. Walter Mazzarri's men where able to beat Milan 3-1 in the reverse fixture but are unlikely to repeat that here with their great attacking line struggling for goals. Goals are something Milan have no problem with they have the best attacking line in the league and aided greatly by a free scoring Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A reverse of the 3-1 score line looks a good possibility as the Rossoneri bounce back again. High scoring home win.
Selected match betting:
Juventus, Udinese, Palermo, AC Milan, Chievo & Cagliari - All to win 61/1
AC Milan V Napoli - AC Milan win 3-1 - 11/1
Juventus V Siena - A. Matri Score A Brace - 7/2
Enjoy The Games!
So we begin on Sunday at The Stadio Luigi Ferraris as Genoa host Lazio. Lazio blew the title race wide open on Wednesday by beating AC Milan 2-0 leaving themselves just 5 points off leaders Juventus. Genoa were unable to play mid week but will come into this in good heart after their extraordinary win over Napoli last weekend. Lazio have major injury problems with Andres Dias, Christian Brocchi and Lorik Cana all unavailable. Genoa have no such problems and did manage to beat Lazio in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. A very tricky opener in which a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Unbeaten Juventus take on Siena as they look to move away from their rivals at the top of the division. Both teams games in midweek fell foul of the weather so we look back to last weekend were Juventus beat Udinese 2-1 and Siena were beaten by Fiorentina 2-1. Antonio Conte's men are in fantastic form and will be looking to make it 4 wins on the bounce here against a Siena team who have only managed to beat The Old Lady once in eleven attempts in Serie A. Juventus will be hot favourites to take all 3 points here and the inform Alessandro Matri looks certain to add to his goal tally too. Comfortable home win.
A resurgent Fiorentina side take on Udinese with both teams having won their previous game 2-1. Fiorentina gained a much needed win beating Siena last weekend whereas Udinese beat strugglers, Lecce on Wednesday. Fiorentina were on a slide before last weekends victory and are a better side than their form suggests, however Udinese are a strong outfit and it is down to the work of their strikers, Antonio Di Natale & Antonio Floro Flores that they remain third in the table. Udinese are at the moment one of the most inconsistent sides in the division winning 2 of their last 5. Depending on what Udinese turn up they should take the points back to Udine. A narrow away win.
Eighth placed Palermo will be looking to cement their European credentials by beating an Atalanta side hovering above the relegation zone. Atalanta were unable to play on Wednesday so their last game ended in a 1-0 victory of Cesena last Sunday. Palermo were able to play in an extraordinary game that saw them draw 4-4 with Inter. Palermo showed fantastic spirit in that game with Fabrizio Miccoli grabbing a hat trick they have an inform striker. Providing that effort hasn't taken to much out of them Bortolo Mutti's men should take all 3 points against a struggling Atalanta team that can only seem to beat teams below them. A relatively comfortable home win.
Rock bottom Novara remain 7 points from safety at the foot of the table after suffering another defeat at the hands of Chievo, 2-1 on Thursday. They face an even stiffer assignment when they host Cagliari, who beat AS Roma 4-2 in another bizzare game on Wednesday. Novara have only won two games all season and look all but relegated, Cagliari however have cemented themselves in mid table and have shown they can match the big boys beating Roma and drawing with Juventus in recent weeks. Davide Ballardini's men are simply impossible to oppose in this one. Comfortable away win.
Chievo host Parma in a mid table battle. After beating Novara 2-1 on Thursday night Chievo ended a 2 game losing streak and they are taken to gain back to back wins here. Parma have only won one of their last 5 games and have drawn their last two scoring just one goal. A 0-0 scoreline last weekend against Catania will have done little to appease fans over their teams poor form. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-1 victory for Parma but Chievo should be able to turn that around at home. Narrow home win.
Third from bottom Leece take on a Bologna side who were spared a mid week game. Their hosts had no such luck as they slumped to another defeat, 2-1 against Udinese. Bologna's last 3 games have all been draws including their 1-1 draw in Rome last Sunday. Yet another draw may be the most likely outcome here, despite their poor league position Leece have beaten the likes of Inter and Fiorentina in recent weeks and did beat Bologna earlier in the season. Since then however Bologna have improved with Marco Di Vaio back amongst the goals. Too tough too call, draw.
The game of the weekend sees AC Milan take on Napoli in the San Siro. Massimiliano Allegri's men had looked liked they had bounced back from their Milan Derby defeat that was until Wednesday night when they were beaten 2-0 by Lazio. Napoli too had a dissapointing result drawing 0-0 with lowly Cesena, meaning Napoli have now drawn 3 of their last 5. Walter Mazzarri's men where able to beat Milan 3-1 in the reverse fixture but are unlikely to repeat that here with their great attacking line struggling for goals. Goals are something Milan have no problem with they have the best attacking line in the league and aided greatly by a free scoring Zlatan Ibrahimovic. A reverse of the 3-1 score line looks a good possibility as the Rossoneri bounce back again. High scoring home win.
Selected match betting:
Juventus, Udinese, Palermo, AC Milan, Chievo & Cagliari - All to win 61/1
AC Milan V Napoli - AC Milan win 3-1 - 11/1
Juventus V Siena - A. Matri Score A Brace - 7/2
Enjoy The Games!
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Serie A Matchweek 20 Full Midweek Fixture List and The Transfer Window Shuts
The final day of the transfer window on Tuesday saw a few deals done by Serie A clubs, but Carlos Tevez remains in Manchester. One player who headed to Manchester was David Pizarro, the 32 year old Roma midfielder has joined Manchester City on a season long loan, after featuring just 4 times this season for Luis Enrique's team. Thiago Motta's move from Inter to PSG was also confirmed last night along with Simone Padoin's transfer from Atlanta to Juventus. Two high profile names left The Old Lady last night with Luca Toni moving to Dubai's Al Nasr and Vincenzo Iaquinta heading to Cesena.
To the action now in what was supposed to be a full mid week fixture list, that was before Parma V Juventus was called off last night due to snow. The weather in northern Italy is poor at the moment with snow affecting areas such as Bologna but there is no word of any other games being called off yet.
The early evening kick off sees Atlanta take on Genoa. Both teams gained good wins on Sunday as Atlanta beat Cesena and Genoa provided one of the upsets of the weekend beating Napoli 3-2. The chance is taken that if Genoa can stop shipping goals that they will beat Atlanta. They have a great striking partnership in Gilardino and Palacio and will be looking to cement their European credentials here.
Later Inter host Palermo looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to lowly Leece last weekend. Raneri's men were on a superb run of form until that blip and are taken to bounce back here. Palermo though will be push over as they look for a third consecutive win after beating Novara 2-0 last weekend. Playing Inter away however is a different proposition and the likes of Sneijder and Milito should see Inter back on track.
The biggest fixture in the midweek action sees Lazio host AC Milan. Both teams cruised through their last game both winning 3-0 against Chievo and Cagliari respectivly. The sides last met 2 weeks ago in The Coppa Italia with Milan winning 3-1. Its hard to envisage anything but a Milan win here especially with the from Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in. Captain Rocchi is expected to start along side Miroslav Klose in the Lazio attack after Cisse joined QPR last night, despite this attacking stance Milan should have enough to ensure they top the table come the end of the evening.
Siena host Catania as they look to climb away from the relegation zone. Siena were beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina as Catania drew 1-1 with Parma. Further highlighting the inconsistency's of both sides, Catania are yet to win in 2012 and Siena have only managed it once. A draw seems the most probable result.
Udinese take on a buoyant Leece side in Udine as they look to recover from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus last weekend. Leece remain third from bottom but are unbeaten in 3 and their win over Inter will have been morale boosting. However that was at home, away from home Leece's form is poor and with Udinese keen to keep their title hopes alive it would be safe to say another upset is unlikely here.
Cagliari host Roma as both teams try and get back on track after disappointing results. Cagliari comfortably beaten by Milan and Roma held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna. Cagliari's home form is strong and Roma's away form poor. That said if Cagliari play as poorly as they did against Milan Roma will take this. Osvaldo remains out for Roma and it is unclear if Francesco Totti will start for Roma as Luis Enrique looks to use his talisman sparingly.
Providing the weather in Bologna doesn't get worse they will face a resurgent Fiorentina side. Both teams gained good results last weekend but it is Fiorentina who's 2-1 victory of Siena was the most important halting their slide down the table. Bologna are a solid unit and are looking to move away from the relegation zone but Fiorentina might just edge it this time.
Wednesday's final game sees Napoli host Cesena. Both teams were beaten this weekend, Napoli suprisingly by Genoa and Cesena by Atlanta. Walter Mazzarri's Napoli are taken to bounce right back here though. Cesena remain second from bottom with a terrible defensive record and a terrible away record. Napoli boast one of the best attacking lines in the league and the likes of Cavani and Hamsik will relish this opportunity to reestablish their push for European football next season.
Just one game on Thursday sees bottom team Novara take on 13th placed Chievo. Both teams are on dreadful runs with Novara not winning in 10 and Chievo not winning in their last 3 attempts including the 3-0 loss to Lazio last weekend. Novara's 2-0 defeat to Palermo last weekend leaves them 7 points from safety and they will be desperate for all 3 points here. Chievo though will be no easy task and a likely to prove too much for the bottom club. A narrow away win.
Selected Match Betting:
Genoa, Inter, Roma, Udinese, Milan, Napoli - 41/1
Napoli V Cesena - Cesena win 4-0 - 11/1
Udinese V Leece - Di Natale To Score First - 9/4
Enjoy The Games!
To the action now in what was supposed to be a full mid week fixture list, that was before Parma V Juventus was called off last night due to snow. The weather in northern Italy is poor at the moment with snow affecting areas such as Bologna but there is no word of any other games being called off yet.
The early evening kick off sees Atlanta take on Genoa. Both teams gained good wins on Sunday as Atlanta beat Cesena and Genoa provided one of the upsets of the weekend beating Napoli 3-2. The chance is taken that if Genoa can stop shipping goals that they will beat Atlanta. They have a great striking partnership in Gilardino and Palacio and will be looking to cement their European credentials here.
Later Inter host Palermo looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to lowly Leece last weekend. Raneri's men were on a superb run of form until that blip and are taken to bounce back here. Palermo though will be push over as they look for a third consecutive win after beating Novara 2-0 last weekend. Playing Inter away however is a different proposition and the likes of Sneijder and Milito should see Inter back on track.
The biggest fixture in the midweek action sees Lazio host AC Milan. Both teams cruised through their last game both winning 3-0 against Chievo and Cagliari respectivly. The sides last met 2 weeks ago in The Coppa Italia with Milan winning 3-1. Its hard to envisage anything but a Milan win here especially with the from Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in. Captain Rocchi is expected to start along side Miroslav Klose in the Lazio attack after Cisse joined QPR last night, despite this attacking stance Milan should have enough to ensure they top the table come the end of the evening.
Siena host Catania as they look to climb away from the relegation zone. Siena were beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina as Catania drew 1-1 with Parma. Further highlighting the inconsistency's of both sides, Catania are yet to win in 2012 and Siena have only managed it once. A draw seems the most probable result.
Udinese take on a buoyant Leece side in Udine as they look to recover from a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus last weekend. Leece remain third from bottom but are unbeaten in 3 and their win over Inter will have been morale boosting. However that was at home, away from home Leece's form is poor and with Udinese keen to keep their title hopes alive it would be safe to say another upset is unlikely here.
Cagliari host Roma as both teams try and get back on track after disappointing results. Cagliari comfortably beaten by Milan and Roma held to a 1-1 draw by Bologna. Cagliari's home form is strong and Roma's away form poor. That said if Cagliari play as poorly as they did against Milan Roma will take this. Osvaldo remains out for Roma and it is unclear if Francesco Totti will start for Roma as Luis Enrique looks to use his talisman sparingly.
Providing the weather in Bologna doesn't get worse they will face a resurgent Fiorentina side. Both teams gained good results last weekend but it is Fiorentina who's 2-1 victory of Siena was the most important halting their slide down the table. Bologna are a solid unit and are looking to move away from the relegation zone but Fiorentina might just edge it this time.
Wednesday's final game sees Napoli host Cesena. Both teams were beaten this weekend, Napoli suprisingly by Genoa and Cesena by Atlanta. Walter Mazzarri's Napoli are taken to bounce right back here though. Cesena remain second from bottom with a terrible defensive record and a terrible away record. Napoli boast one of the best attacking lines in the league and the likes of Cavani and Hamsik will relish this opportunity to reestablish their push for European football next season.
Just one game on Thursday sees bottom team Novara take on 13th placed Chievo. Both teams are on dreadful runs with Novara not winning in 10 and Chievo not winning in their last 3 attempts including the 3-0 loss to Lazio last weekend. Novara's 2-0 defeat to Palermo last weekend leaves them 7 points from safety and they will be desperate for all 3 points here. Chievo though will be no easy task and a likely to prove too much for the bottom club. A narrow away win.
Selected Match Betting:
Genoa, Inter, Roma, Udinese, Milan, Napoli - 41/1
Napoli V Cesena - Cesena win 4-0 - 11/1
Udinese V Leece - Di Natale To Score First - 9/4
Enjoy The Games!
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